Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve: Cedar Point

Cedar Point features maritime hammock, salt marsh, scrubby flatwoods and freshwater wetlands. This tract is a migrant magnet from mid-April through early May, and again from late September to mid-October, harboring Painted and Indigo Buntings, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Scarlet Tanagers as well as 20+ species of wood-warbler. This site is excellent for Yellow-breasted Chats in the spring and summer. Begin your exploration of this site at the boat basin first, on the east side of the road, scanning for Sora and Clapper Rail (you can also launch kayaks and canoes here if desired). Next, walk back to the entrance and go south 200 feet to the end of Cedar Point Rd., where you’ll find a locked gate on the west side; 5 miles of hiking trails start here. A short trail system leads west and south and ends within a mile on the marsh front. A northbound trail is longer and extends through some pine plantation areas and past freshwater wetlands. This area is quite wild and remote, so prepare to walk, bring plenty of water and bird here with a companion for safety. Yellow flies make this property unpleasant from late May to August.